Title: Requirements for building accessible web-based communities for people with functional diversity

Authors: Olga C. Santos, Jesus G. Boticario

Addresses: aDeNu Research Group, Artificial Intelligence Department, Computer Science School, UNED, c/Juan del Rosal, 16. 28040 Madrid, Spain. ' aDeNu Research Group, Artificial Intelligence Department, Computer Science School, UNED, c/Juan del Rosal, 16. 28040 Madrid, Spain

Abstract: In this article, we analyse the distinguishing features of web-based communities. In many situations the technology is still an access barrier for people with special needs. With the appropriate technological support, users with special needs may meet the social requirements which are traditionally considered success factors for web-based communities. To guarantee that democratic participation can be accessed by all community members, who have not been trained in usability and accessibility criteria, we propose: to engage community members to guarantee contents accessibility by applying some contents accessibility guidelines; an open and flexible architecture that provides accessible services, namely EU4ALL architecture. We also express our concern that the social software developed under the new Web 2.0 philosophy does not fully follow the principles of universal design.

Keywords: web based communities; special needs; functional diversity; accessibility guidelines; universal design; open architecture; accessible services; social software; democratic participation; usability; web 2.0; virtual communities; online communities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2008.016490

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2008 Vol.4 No.1, pp.52 - 65

Published online: 02 Jan 2008 *

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